[Review] House of Cards Season 5: The Darkest Season Yet
House of Cards is now in its fifth season, and viewers who've followed the previous seasons would likely anticipate that the climax of this season will be whether Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey) and Claire Underwood (Robin Wright) can win the election and become the next President and Vice President of the United States.
First, I'd like to thank Netflix for arranging an early viewing of the new season. After watching the first six episodes of Season 5, I feel this season is the darkest in House of Cards' history. As Frank Underwood reaches the pinnacle of power, he becomes even more ruthless than in previous seasons, attempting to manipulate the election with even more reckless and astonishing methods. The scale and impact of the backroom dealings are no longer confined to the White House and political circles but involve society as a whole, and even global politics. In fact, Frank Underwood's declaration of war against the terrorist group ICO and his online surveillance of the public at the end of Season 4 already signaled to viewers that he would have no boundaries in his quest for power this season.
While House of Cards Season 5 is unprecedentedly dark, it also has surprisingly deep connections to previous seasons. In addition to unresolved issues, such as Tom Hammerschmidt (Boris McGiver), the journalist from The Washington Herald, uncovering more about Frank Underwood's past misdeeds and scandals, this season also revisits small moments and characters from Seasons 1 and 2. These elements significantly influence Frank Underwood's character development. So, it might be a good idea to "review" the previous seasons before diving into Season 5.
Regarding other characters, those newly introduced in the last season, such as Tom Yates (Paul Sparks) and Will Conway (Joel Kinnaman), undergo deeper development. Notably, Tom Yates, who initially wrote biographies and speeches for the Underwoods, sees significant changes and new developments in his romantic relationship with Claire. The power struggles, maneuvering, and betrayals among other characters also add considerable watchability to Season 5.
The biggest selling point of Season 5 is its resonance with the current situation in the United States. Many scenes and even plot points in this season bear striking resemblance to the current social climate and implemented policies in the U.S. The developments in Season 5, including the outcome of the presidential election, will indeed shock and baffle audiences, yet at the same time, they closely echo the turbulent political landscape in America. This forces viewers to reluctantly accept that fiction can be as absurd as reality.
In summary, House of Cards Season 5 may not be as inherently binge-worthy as previous seasons, but its various elements—such as the introduction of new characters, the masterful creation of dramatic tension, and its undeniable connection to contemporary American society—are more than enough to captivate audiences and draw them into the world of Frank and Claire Underwood once again.